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The Julbord ("jul" means Christmas and "bord" means table) is Sweden’s traditional Christmas buffet. Unlike our formal and structured Christmas meals (starter, main course, cheese, and dessert), which are held once a year, the Swedish Christmas buffet is much more informal: everyone serves themselves from a gargantuan spread, where everything Swedes eat throughout the year is brought together on one large table, with some extra festive dishes that are especially characteristic of Christmas, such as Christmas ham, dried cod (lutfisk), served rehydrated, special spiced breads (vörtbröd), saffron-based dishes (the key spice of December), sweet treats like spiced cookies (pepparkakor), fried doughnuts (klenäter), and candies, among others.
Typically, in families, everyone participates in the preparations, and the idea is to gather together to enjoy traditional Swedish dishes, drink, and sing (the two activities are closely linked). It’s a special time for families to come together and celebrate the Christmas spirit in a relaxed and joyful atmosphere. At work, colleagues also organize a Christmas table each year in a restaurant, a tradition that still continues today, even though the culture has evolved. In Sweden, it’s possible to attend multiple Julbord events, which might seem almost sacrilegious to us, as it’s the unique character of the event that makes it so special.
Each year, Stockholm's restaurants compete to offer the best traditional Christmas buffet, though some may include less traditional flavors, driven by the desire for variety and new experiences. These buffets are extremely popular with Swedes themselves, and for visitors to Stockholm in December, it’s a truly unique opportunity to discover Swedish cuisine and taste dishes rich in history and flavor. It’s recommended to book in advance to secure a spot.
In 2024, several establishments in Stockholm will offer Julbord options to suit all tastes and budgets, from grand prestigious tables to more intimate venues.
Here’s a selection of the best Julbord to discover and celebrate Christmas like a true Swede ...
1. Grand Hôtel Stockholm (Veranda and Vinterträdgården) - The Classic of Classics
The Grand Hôtel has long been renowned for its classic and luxurious Julbord, served in its Veranda restaurant. This year, for the first time, another Christmas table will also be offered on select dates in its other restaurant, Vinterträdgården (Winter Garden), with live music.
These Julbord are among the most sumptuous in Stockholm, offering a wide range of traditional dishes, from pickled herring and meatballs to gravlax salmon and Christmas ham. From the very salty to the very sweet, you'll have the chance to taste all the flavors and delights of Christmas treats.
- Dates: November 28 to December 26, 2024 (Veranda) / December 4 to December 20, 2024 (Vinterträdgården)
- Price: Between 975 SEK and 1495 SEK per person, depending on the dates at both restaurants.
- Ambience: Elegant and classic, perfect for a refined Christmas experience.
- Reservations: On the Grand Hôtel website.
2. Operakällaren – Opera House Restaurant – Classic and Refined
Located in the stunning building of the Stockholm Opera House, Operakällaren offers a refined Julbord featuring dishes that celebrate the best of Swedish cuisine. This Julbord is particularly appreciated for its luxurious variety of foods, including seafood, game, and refined desserts.
This Christmas table is perfect for those who want a luxurious Christmas experience in a place filled with history and music.
- Dates: November 26 to December 24, 2024
- Price: Approximately 1700 SEK per person
- Ambience: Luxury and tradition, ideal for an elegant evening.
- Reservations: On the Opera House restaurant website.
3. Stadshuskällaren – Stockholm City Hall Restaurant – Iconic and Nordic
The Stadshuskällaren restaurant, located in the famous Stockholm City Hall, offers a Julbord that combines tradition with exclusivity. It’s an excellent choice for discovering unique Christmas dishes, served in an iconic venue in the city. The Julbord includes traditional dishes as well as a few inspired by the cuisine of the Nordic regions.
Photo stadhuskällaren
- Dates: November 21 to December 21, 2024
- Price: Between 950 SEK and 1200 SEK per person, depending on the dates
- Ambience: Majestic and historic, ideal for an immersive experience of the Swedish Christmas spirit.
- Reservations: On the City Hall restaurant website
At this Christmas table, in addition to the typical Julbord dishes, you'll find a selection of game meats, forest and countryside ingredients, both in the cold selection and the warm dishes.
4. Tornvillan at Nacka, Hotel J – A Christmas Buffet Enchanted by a Michelin-Starred Chef
Tornvillan (The Tower House) is the restaurant at Hotel J, located in Nacka by the water with a stunning view of the sea. This year, Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dahlgren is in charge and has created a ritualistic Christmas table with unique flavors.
Photos de l’hôtel J
When the door to Tornvillan opens, you enter an environment that evokes a traditional Christmas tale. You’ll be welcomed with a comforting glögg (mulled wine) before the adventure continues with a classic Julbord – which, according to tradition, must be enjoyed in seven stages. Our friends at Mathias Dahlgren have rediscovered old family recipes and combined them with their own personal favorites, where each dish tells a story full of love, carefully prepared with the finest ingredients. Tornvillan welcomes both small and large groups. For groups of up to 12 people, you can book directly via our website. For groups of 13 people or more, or if you'd like to reserve a private room, please send a booking request, and we’ll help you organize your event. The Christmas table is available for both lunch and dinner, depending on the dates.
- Dates: November 28 to December 24, 2024
- Price: Between 895 SEK and 1395 SEK per person, depending on the dates
- Ambience: Family-friendly, traditional
- Reservations: On the Tornvillan restaurant website
5. Villa Godthem – Classic, Traditional, and Elegant
Located on the island of Djurgården, this traditional restaurant offers a Julbord in an elegant and welcoming setting, typical of Christmas grand Swedish homes. The atmosphere is cozy, with soft lighting, candles, and traditional Christmas decorations that evoke the magic of winter.
Photo sur le site de Villa Godthem LPhoto sur le site de Villa Godthem Decorated Christmas trees, sparkling garlands, and crackling fires help create a festive atmosphere that is both intimate and warm. The house, surrounded by nature and close to the water, offers a superb view that adds to the magical dimension of the experience.
- Dates: November 13 to December 26, 2024
- Price: Between 795 SEK and 1395 SEK per person, depending on the dates
- Ambience: Family-friendly, traditional, and elegant
- Reservations: On the Villa Godthem website
6. Gamla Riksarkivet – Restaurant in the Old National Archives – Haunted and Magical
The Old National Archives offer a large Christmas buffet filled with classics, reinterpretations, and Niklas's favorite dishes. All the Christmas classics are prepared from Niklas's own recipes. The dried fish (lutfisk) is served directly at the table, a wide range of vegetarian dishes is available, and a surprise for guests is the black pudding. This year, Niklas has made more room for game on the buffet. The bar focuses on reinterpretations of classics, such as the Julgroni (a Christmas Negroni) and the Eggnog of the National Archives. Those who have already tasted Niklas Ekstedt’s Christmas meal know that it always ends with one (or more) visits to the Candy Room, often described as a crossroad between the magical Christmas atmosphere of Fanny and Alexander and the candy world of Pippi Longstocking.
- Dates: November 15 to December 25, 2024
- Price: Between 895 SEK and 1395 SEK per person, depending on the dates
- Ambience: Traditional, festive, and classic
- Reservations: On the Gamla Riksarkivet website
7. The Julbord at Artipelag in Värmdö in the Archipelago – Local, Refined, and Exotic
A few key words to describe the Christmas buffet at Artipelag: classic, artisanal, and locally sourced. The Christmas dishes are prepared on-site at Artipelag or delivered by local producers from Värmdö and the surrounding areas. The fish and meat are smoked in their own smoker, and they prepare the herring and sprat themselves. The sweet touch to end the meal is made by Artipelag's skilled pastry chefs and bakers.
The chefs and pastry chefs at Artipelag leave nothing to chance and ensure exceptional quality down to the smallest details. The dishes are accompanied by paired beverages, such as locally brewed beer, locally produced apple juice, schnapps, selected wines, and many alcohol-free options.
- Dates: November 28 to December 22, 2024
- Price: Approximately 795 SEK per person
- Ambience: Relaxed and ethical, away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Reservations: On the Artipelag website
8. Fjäderholmarnas Krog – Fjäderholmarna
For a unique experience in the Stockholm archipelago, the restaurant Fjäderholmarnas Krog offers a seaside Julbord. Accessible by boat from Stockholm, this restaurant offers stunning views while serving a generous buffet with a focus on seafood. It’s a perfect getaway for a slightly different Julbord, set in a natural, picturesque environment.
This restaurant is particularly appreciated for its cosy atmosphere and picturesque location, offering breathtaking views of the sea and the archipelago. The Christmas table (or Julbord) served here combines classic Swedish Christmas dishes with local touches and an emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Dates: November 21 to December 21, 2024
- Price: Between 995 SEK and 1395 SEK per person, boat ticket not included
- Ambience: Maritime and rustic, perfect for nature lovers and fresh air enthusiasts
- Reservations: On the restaurant’s website
9. Julbordskryssning – Christmas Buffet on a Stromma Boat
Enjoy a traditional Christmas buffet with all the classic Christmas flavors aboard some of the world’s oldest passenger boats still in service. In the beautifully decorated lounge on the upper deck, you’ll have the best view of the archipelago. Onboard, you can savor a wide range of classic Christmas dishes, from herring and salmon to meatballs and Christmas ham, all prepared with great care.
Chefs Jesper Taube and Maria Svensson have created a Christmas buffet with classics – various types of herring, marinated salmon, pâté, hot dishes, and finally, a delicious selection of desserts. Onboard, you’ll find three cosy lounges that can be reserved if you’re a group and want your own dining room.
- Dates: November 28 to December 24, 2024
- Price: Between 720 SEK and 930 SEK per person, depending on lunch or dinner, with departures at 12:00, 13:00, and 18:00
- Ambience: Maritime and rustic, perfect for nature lovers and fresh air enthusiasts
- Reservations: On the Stromma website
10. Ulriksdals Värdshus
Located right next to the inn-restaurant, there's a garden of over 1.5 hectares, where grow cucurbits like cucumbers and zucchinis grow, along with various salads, herbs, and flowers. From the beginning of autumn, preparations for Christmas begin, and all the selected products come from the harvest. The herbs and wild shoots infuse everything, from Christmas aquavit to the sausages, which are all made on-site.
A lot of love and attention is also given to the preparation of the herring – spiced and marinated – and each year, unexpected flavors are added to the more traditional range. The meat served is always Swedish, as part of the restaurant's sustainability efforts, maintaining a close collaboration with various farms in Sweden that provide them with high-quality products manufactured under environmental friendly conditions.
- Dates: November 22 to December 24, 2024
- Price: Between 995 SEK and 1495 SEK per person, boat transport included
- Ambience: Ethical, responsible, and warm
- Reservations: On the restaurant's website
Tips for Enjoying the Julbord in Stockholm:
- Book in advance: Most restaurants are fully booked during the holiday season, so it is recommended to make reservations several weeks ahead.
- Set aside enough time: A Julbord is a long experience where each dish is savoured. Plan for at least 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the full buffet.
- Follow the traditional order: Start with the marinated fish, then move on to the hot dishes (meats and sides), and finish with the desserts.
- Don't miss the glögg: Traditional spiced mulled wine served at the start of the meal, perfect for warming up and getting into the Christmas spirit to begin your Julbord experience.
